Bonjour!

Stop now and click here if you didn’t read our top 2020 baby names post! And for even more baby name inspiration you can check out our 2019 baby name list! But, back by popular request - we are talking about 70 French baby names!

I’m Lauren, owner of Sleep + the City, a baby sleep agency in Portland, Oregon! Believe it or not, but French baby names have been historically high ranking/popular U.S. names! French baby names are traditionally named after saints with a French twist by adding hyphens or apostrophes.

If you are expecting or just curious about names for babies - French naming comes from a place of strength, elegance, and honor. Generally, French names have a few different broad/overarching meanings, like: noble, adored, helpful, cheerful, lovable, friend, angelic, strong, protector, bold, and majestic.

Before we dive into the 70 French baby names, here are our top 8 French baby names for 2020:

Here are the Girls!

1. Camille - Camille means pure or perfect. Specifically, this French name means “serving at the alter”, which historically required pureness. Camille can mean having unblemished character with variations including: Camilla or Kamille and short names including: Cami, Camie, Kam.

2. Margaux - Margaux is a great baby name with a French origin. Margaux means pearl. The American spelling can be Margot and even though this name isn’t ranked on the popular Baby names list, it’s really cute!

3. Sylvie - Sylvie is an adorable baby name that means forest or spirit of the wood. This French name actually serves as a variation of the Latin name Sylvia. Some say, Sylvie has an exotic feeling to it. What do you think?

4. Colette- Colette is a French baby name that means victorious or “people of victory”. The short form is Nicole and the feminine variation is Nicholas.

And the Boys!

1. Henri - This French baby name means ruler. Specifically, ruler of an estate or household. It’s said that people with this name have an inner desire for travel and adventure - and want to set their own pace in life without being micromanaged or controlled. How entrepreneurial is that!? :)

2. Timothée - This French baby name means honor. Related names can include: Tim, Timo, Tymish, and Timotey. Timothée generally is a very masculine name.

3. Olivier - The literal meaning for this baby name means from the olive tree. This French baby name is a symbol of peace. It’s said that people with this name have a desire to inspire others and share things that are meaningful to them. People with this name are said to be passionate, intuitive, and romantic.

4. Philippe- This name is derived from the original name Philippus, which means lover or horses. This French baby name is formed from parts of Philippos (loving) and hippos (horses). Variations of this name can include Philipp, Phillip, and Phillipp.